Carnival: A dynamic tradition

The festival known as the Carnival is celebrated around the world. It reinforces community ties through a farce by reversing the social order. The whole community participates in the street parties full of humor, parody, and enthusiasm. The festivities usually last for several days and finish with a large procession. Although deeply rooted in the past, Carnival remains very much alive, and continues to evolve.

The inscription of Carnival by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a recognition of the festival’s fundamental role in society. Transmitted from generation to generation, Carnival is constantly recreated by groups and communities and its practices change over time.

During this Carnival season, we invite you to discover the carnivals and festivals inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity! Inscription on this List provides better visibility for the intangible cultural heritage making people aware of its significance, as well as encourages dialogue respective of cultural diversity.